This season has been a difficult one for all associated with the Baltimore Ravens.  We expected more and in some ways we were promised more, particularly when Brian Billick called the 2005 version of the Ravens his most talented to date.

For many different reasons, most of which we’ve covered on these pages and some of which will likely come to the surface after the season, the Ravens just didn’t get it done.

The season has dragged on.  It seemed long as early as the conclusion of the Ravens game against the Titans.  And it never really got any better.  Sure, some things improved a little but when measured against the totality of the season, the improvements seemed insignificant.  And in the grand scheme of things, they were.

Next year promises to be better.  Some may ask outwardly or rhetorically, “It can’t get any worse, right?”  And to some degree, that’s true, particularly when expectations are so high.  Next season, the expectations will be tempered by this season’s disappointments.  Yet clearly for those who bleed purple like I do, there is much to discuss and analyze during the winter and spring.  The NFL has become for all intents and purposes, a year round sport.  There’s the post season, the free agent season, the NFL Draft, mini-camps and passing camps and then right on into summer camp after a one month hiatus between mid-June to mid-July.

There’s plenty of time for all of that and we will bring it all to you here.  But until then, the season of giving and sharing brings to mind those that have helped to bring you Ravens24x7.com and GAMETIME.  I hope for a few moments, that you can indulge me while I extend Seasons Greetings and my appreciation to such wonderful folks and also well wishes to those clearly in need.  Without further ado, let’s open the bag of wishes, hopes and dreams…

To our staff, thanks for your faith in our little project.  If nothing else I hope you are proud of our association and friendship.  I know that I am.

Thanks to all of the Ravens’ Roosts and Ravens’ Nests that have supported our efforts, particularly those that always extend their hospitalities to us.  One day we’ll look back and say, “Remember when…”  Added thanks to Ravens Roost 50 for your support of our “Unitas We Stand” project.  Thanks also to my collaborator, Tony Sciuto.  Your talents are so underappreciated.

I know that the results have been disappointing and that we encountered a few unexpected hiccups, but all may not be lost.  If nothing else, at least we were able to share good times and good cheer to promote a worthy cause and bring tears of joy to Johnny U’s bride and widow, Sandra.  Forever 19 in blue -- high tops and horseshoes.  To each of you I wish you continued success in reaching out to your community and touching the hearts and souls of those that need you.  Clearly you use the platform of football to express your humanity.

To our sponsors, thank you for believing in us and in helping to push our journey along.  Stay with us and enjoy the ride.  You won’t be disappointed.  We believe in you too!  For all of you, I wish you the happiness and prosperity you richly deserve.  Remember , under promise and over deliver!

To Time 2, Inc., the engine behind Ravens24x7, thank you for all you do to simplify our existence.  For you I wish more clients worthy of your outstanding service.  You guys are like a young Jonathan Ogden – you’ve always got my back.  Thank you!

To Ebenezer Angelos – A visit from the ghosts of Pennant Races Past, Present & Future, dinner at Boccaccio’s without the assistance of a booster seat and Baltimore emblazoned on all road jerseys.

To Mike Flanagan – the ability to use the rest room without having to ask permission.

To Leo Mazzone – the ability to refrain from repeating “What was I thinking?”

To Brian Billick – a razor for the summer.  Never, ever, ever wear that Bad Santa face again.  Clearly it ruined a promising season.  Coach also needs a brand new book of excuses for losing and for Kyle Boller’s struggles.  You’ve got it.  Sorry I didn’t get it to you sooner.  You needed it back in mid-October.

To Kyle Boller – an alarm clock, Calgon Bath Oil Beads, a Frankie Goes to Hollywood CD and D’Brickashaw Ferguson.  Clearly you get too much sleep and you have far too much energy when exiting the huddle.  Relax!  Calgon, take him away!

To Ray Lewis – dance amnesia, a new attitude and more veggies on your menu.

To Ed Reed – a new contract, a new pair of hands and a reinvigorated bounce in your step.

To AD – Bubba Smith’s attorney (you were hosed bro), a role on offense similar to New England’s Mike Vrabel and a contract extension before you hit the open market.

To Jamal Lewis – a Red Franchise Tag & Trade Special that puts you in Carolina and earns the Ravens a second round pick.

To Chester Taylor – a change of heart.

To Jim Fassel – Steve McNair

To Peter Boulware – Barbara Streisand’s “The Way We Were” LP

To Terrell Suggs – a curfew, a bib (see the drooling in Detroit) and a defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket.

To Bart Scott – an undying affinity for the color purple and a happy long-term deal that keeps you in B’more.

To Dan Cody – a complete recovery and videotape of Shawn Merriman.

To Bill Tessendorf – a boring 2006.

To Deion Sanders – One more return for a touchdown before you go and your place back on CBS’ NFL Today.

To Ozzie Newsome – a working telephone line when the Ravens attempt to trade down in the 2006 NFL Draft.

To Steve Bisciotti – a public appearance sometime before The Beatles Reunion.

To Sage Steele – Flowers from Brian Billick.

To Scott Garceau and Tom Matte – a change of heart from Hearst and a return to your places behind the mike on new Ravens Radio.

To Old Colts fans – a place to bury the hatchet and get behind the Indianapolis Colts and one of the NFL’s classiest people, Tony Dungy.  May a prosperous post season somehow, someway, soften Tony’s incredible loss and lighten his heavy, heavy heart.  Some things are just far more important than football.

To one and all – A Season filled with loving moments with family and friends that will last a lifetime and become part of your legacy.